Ceramic disc diverter valve

ABSTRACT

A ceramic disc diverter valve for use with a water treatment device. The diverter includes a movable disc sandwiched between two stationary discs. The movable disc is rotated between three different positions to deliver a stream of untreated water, a spray of untreated water or a flow of treated water. When delivering treated water, the diverter directs the flow of water out of a secondary outlet to a water treatment device. The treated water is returned to the diverter through a secondary inlet and is discharged from the diverter through a treated water outlet. When delivering untreated water, both the secondary inlet and the secondary outlet are sealed by the ceramic discs. The movable disc preferably includes an integral handle that protrudes from the housing.

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/244,245, filed Oct. 30, 2000, entitled “Ceramic DiscDiverter Valve” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/259,948, filedJan. 5, 2001, entitled “Ceramic Disc Diverter Valve”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] I. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to diverter valves and moreparticularly to a ceramic disc diverter valve for attachment to a waterfaucet to selectively control the flow of water through a watertreatment system.

[0004] II. Description of the Related Art

[0005] The quality of water delivered through a faucet is a matter ofconcern to a great many people. For many people, the water furnished bymunicipal or building water supplies is sufficiently pure for washing orrinsing purposes, but not of sufficient quality for drinking or cooking.Accordingly, water treatment devices are available which connect to afaucet and treat the water flowing out of the faucet. Such devices mayeither attach directly to the outlet of the faucet, or may include adiverter that directs the flow of water from the faucet through thetreatment device and back to the faucet. Because filter and purifyingmedia are frequently consumable, conventional diverters have the abilityto bypass the water treatment device when treated water is notnecessary, such as when washing or rinsing. This extends the life of thefilter and purifying media.

[0006] Traditionally, diverter valves intended for use with watertreatment devices only shut off the inlet line of the water treatmentdevice or the outlet line from the water treatment device. Shutting offthe water only at the inlet line is problematic because water cancontinue to drain out of the treated water outlet creating an openpassage for bacteria and other undesirables to enter the treated waterreturn line and possibly the water treatment device itself. Further, thecontinued flow of water from the treated water output after the diverterhas been switched to an untreated mode is itself undesirable. Shuttingoff the water at only the treated water return line is problematicbecause the water treatment system remains under supply line pressure atall times. Surges in the supply line pressure may damage the watertreatment device. U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,329 to Pippel discloses a divertervalve intended to address these concerns. The Pippel diverter operatesin treated mode, untreated stream mode and untreated spray mode. Thediverter includes a spool valve that, when in the untreated stream modeor untreated spray mode, closes the treated water return line andseparates the supply line from the water treatment system. Although amarked improvement, the spool valve is relatively large and includesconventional O-rings that have a relatively short life.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The noted problems are overcome by the present invention whereina diverter for use with a water treatment device is provided with aceramic disc valve having positive shut-off of both the inlet and outletlines of the water treatment device when in an untreated water mode. Ina preferred embodiment, the diverter valve includes three ceramic discssandwiched together within a valve body, with the center disc beingrotatable with respect to the others to selectively move the diverterbetween its various modes of operation.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the diverter is operable between atreated mode in which the diverter delivers treated water, an untreatedspray mode in which untreated water is delivered in a spray and anuntreated stream mode in which untreated water is delivered in a stream.

[0009] In a more preferred embodiment, the lower ceramic disc definesfive holes and is stationary with respect to the body. The top ceramicdisc defines one centrally disposed hole and is stationary with respectto the body. The center ceramic disc is sandwiched between the top andbottom discs and defines a single hole and a channel groove. The centerdisc is selectively movable to align the various disc holes as requiredto deliver the desired type of flow.

[0010] In a further preferred embodiment, the center disc includes anintegral handle that protrudes from the valve body. The diverter ismoved between its various modes of operation by rotating the handle withrespect to the valve body.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the diverter includes a clampingmechanism for clamping the bottom disc to the valve body independentlyfrom the center and bottom discs. The clamping mechanism preferablyincludes a screw extending through the center of the bottom disc intothe valve body. The screw clamps the bottom disc against a gasket.

[0012] The present invention provides a simple and effective ceramicdisc diverter that is unique, among other things, in that it not onlyaccomplishes the above operations with only three ceramic discs, but inall positions, except when treated water is flowing, the water treatmentdevice is sealed off by the ceramic discs at both the untreated wateroutlet and the treated water inlet. Positively shutting off the watertreatment device at both the inlet and the outlet, referred to herein as“double positive shutoff,” reduces the likelihood of air and bacteriafrom entering the treatment device. Double positive shutoff also allowsthe water coming from the treatment device to be shut off immediately.This prevents the common problem of water run-on after the valve ismoved out of the treated water position, which occurs in manyconventional diverters as the water spills out of the line to or fromthe treatment device. The double positive shut off on the diverter valvealso insulates the water treatment device from pressure surges in thewater supply line, thereby protecting the water treatment device. Theintegral handle of the center disc permits rotation of the center discindependently of the valve housing. This eliminates the need to havingan articulating housing and therefore eliminates the need for housingseals and the possibility of the housing leaking as the housing sealbecomes worn. Further, the present invention provides “instant” startupwhen the diverter is returned to the treated mode due to latentcompression in the water treatment device.

[0013] These and other objects, advantages, and features of the presentinvention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference tothe written specification and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a front, exploded, perspective view of the ceramic discdiverter valve;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the diverter valve body;

[0016]FIG. 3A is a bottom view of the diverter valve body;

[0017]FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the diverter valve body with the sprayhead attached;

[0018]FIG. 4 is a top view of the diverter valve body;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a top view of the stationary bottom ceramic disc;

[0020]FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the stationary bottom ceramic disc;

[0021]FIG. 7 is a top view of the movable center disc;

[0022]FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the movable center disc;

[0023]FIG. 9 is a top view of the stationary top disc;

[0024]FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the stationary top disc;

[0025]FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the left side of the ceramic discdiverter valve;

[0026]FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the right side of the ceramic discdiverter valve;

[0027]FIG. 13 is a top view of the stationary bottom and movable centerdiscs in treated water mode;

[0028]FIG. 14 is a top view of the stationary bottom and movable centerdiscs in stream mode;

[0029]FIG. 15 is a top view of the stationary bottom and movable centerdiscs in spray mode;

[0030]FIG. 16 is front, exploded, perspective view of an alternativeceramic disc diverter valve;

[0031]FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing output modes of thealternative ceramic disc diverter valve;

[0032]FIG. 18 is a top view showing internal components and flow pathsof the alternative ceramic disc diverter valve in treated water mode;

[0033]FIG. 19 is a top view showing internal components of thealternative ceramic disc diverter valve in spray mode; and

[0034]FIG. 20 is a top view showing internal components of thealternative ceramic disc diverter valve in stream mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0035] A ceramic disc diverter valve according to a preferred embodimentof the present invention is shown in FIG. 1, and is generally designated10. The ceramic disc diverter valve 10 mounts to a conventional faucetand is connected with a water treatment device (not shown). The diverter10 selectively operates in three different modes: (1) treated mode inwhich the diverter delivers a flow of treated water from a treated wateroutlet 14, (2) untreated stream mode in which untreated water isdelivered in a stream from an untreated water stream outlet 6, and (3)untreated spray mode in which untreated water is delivered in a sprayfrom an untreated water spray outlet 5. To connect with the watertreatment device, the diverter 10 includes a secondary outlet 8 tosupply untreated water to the water treatment device and a secondaryinlet 7 to receive treated water from the water treatment device. Thediverter 10 includes in its general organization a valve body 30 and amovable center disc 12 sandwiched between top and bottom stationarydiscs 13 and 11, respectively. The center disc 12 includes a handle 1that protrudes from the valve body and is rotatable to move the diverter10 into the desired mode of operation.

[0036] The diverter valve body 30 will now be described in greaterdetail in connection with FIGS. 2-4. The body 30 is a generally uprightcylindrical body having outwardly protruding secondary inlet 7,secondary outlet 8 and treated water outlet 14. Conventional fittings(not shown) are installed within the secondary inlet 7 and the secondaryoutlet 8 to permit connection to a water treatment device (not shown)using conventional water supply lines (not shown). If desired, a flowcontroller (e.g. a fixed orifice or flexible variable orifice flowcontroller) (not shown) can be installed in either the secondary inlet 7or secondary outlet 8. An upwardly opening cylindrical cavity 48 isdefined within the body 30. The cavity 48 is of sufficient size toreceive the discs 11, 12 and 13 as well as an O-ring 50, a head nut 52,a gasket 54 and a compression nut 56. The upper end of the cavity 48 isinternally threaded to threadedly receive the head nut 52 andcompression nut 56. The body 30 includes ribs 58 or other protrusions toprevent overtightening of the head nut 52. The body 30 also defines ahandle slot 60. The body 30 further defines a screw boss 96 located inthe center of the base of cavity 48 for clamping the bottom disc 11 tothe body 30, as described in more detail below. The body 30 alsoincludes a closure 72 that closes the bottom of the body 30. The closure72 is plastic welded or otherwise secured to the bottom of the body 30.The closure 72 includes a treated water spout 74, a spray hole 76 and astream hole 78. An O-ring 80 or other seal is disposed about water spout74. A second O-ring 82, or other seal, is disposed about stream hole 78.A detent spring 132 and detent ball 130 are fitted within a detent void134 in the body 30 and secured by the closure 72. A portion of thedetent ball 130 protrudes from a small detent opening 136 in the body 30where it interacts with three detents (not shown) in a selector ring 120to provide a tactile response as the diverter 10 moves between modes ofoperation. A spray head 84 is threadedly mounted to the closure 72. Thespray head 84 includes an inner stream section 86 adapted to receive aconventional aerator (not shown) and to define untreated stream outlet6. The spray head 84 also includes an outer spray section 88 with aplurality of holes 90 that defines untreated spray outlet 5. An O-ring92 or other seal is disposed between the closure 72 and the spray head84. The interior of the body 30 defines a plurality of passages thatdirect the flow of water through the diverter valve 10. A supply passage62 extends from the base of the cavity 48 to the secondary outlet 8. Areturn passage 64 extends from the secondary inlet 7 to the base of thecavity 48. A treated outlet passage 66 extends from the base of thecavity 48 through the water spout 74 to the treated water outlet 14. Astream outlet passage 70 extends from the base of the cavity 48 throughthe stream hole 78 to the untreated stream outlet 6. And finally, aspray outlet passage 68 extends from the base of the cavity 48 throughthe spray hole 76 to the untreated spray outlet 5. The body 30, closure72 and spray head 84 are preferably manufactured from high strengthpolymeric materials using conventional techniques and apparatus.

[0037] As noted above, the diverter valve body 30 houses movable centerceramic disc 12, stationary top ceramic disc 13 and stationary bottomceramic disc 11. The ceramic discs 11, 12 and 13 are manufactured usingconventional techniques and apparatus. The ceramic discs 11, 12 and 13are preferably highly polished to provide a water tight interfacebetween ceramic surfaces that are in contact with one another. As shownin FIGS. 5-6, the bottom disc 11 defines five holes 15, 16, 17, 18 and19 that communicate with the flow passages in the body 30. The supplyhole 15 is aligned with the supply passage 62 to allow passage ofuntreated water to the secondary outlet 8. The return hole 16 is alignedwith the return passage 64 to receive treated water returning throughthe secondary inlet 7. The treated outlet hole 17 is aligned with thetreated outlet passage 66 to provide treated water to the treated wateroutlet 14 when the diverter is in the treated mode. The stream hole 19is aligned with the stream outlet passage 70 to supply untreated waterto the untreated stream outlet 6 when the diverter valve is in thestream mode. And finally, the spray hole 18 is aligned with the sprayoutlet passage 68 to supply untreated water to the untreated sprayoutlet 5 when the diverter is in the spray mode. The bottom disc 11 alsodefines a central screw hole 94 for clamping the bottom disc 11 to thebase of the cavity 48 by a screw 116. The screw hole 94 may becounterbore if desired. The bottom disc 11 defines three keyways 98 a-cthat interfit with keys 100 a-c formed in the body 30 to preventrotation of the bottom disc 11. The bottom disc 11 is disposed over agasket 24 that seals the undersurface of the bottom disc 11 against thediverter valve body 30. The gasket 24 defines openings aligned with thevarious holes 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 94 as well as notches aligned withthe keyways 98 a-c. During assembly, the gasket 24 and the bottom disc11 are fitted within the cavity 48. The screw 116 is installed throughthe bottom disc 11 and the gasket 24 into the screw boss 96. The screw116 is tightened to clamp the bottom disc 11 and gasket 24 in place. Thescrew 116 may be replaced by a variety of other clamping mechanisms. Forexample, the bottom disc 11 and gasket 24 may be sonically staked to thebase of cavity 48. As another example, a separate headnut may beincluded to clamp down the bottom disc 11 and the gasket 24. In someapplications it may be possible to eliminate the screw 116 and secureall three discs in the cavity 48 by the head nut 52. In someapplications, however, the force required to adequately compress thegasket 24 with the head nut 52 would be so great that it would bedifficult to rotate the center disc 12.

[0038] The movable center ceramic disc 12 is disposed above thestationary ceramic disc 11 and includes integral handle 1, whichprotrudes from the body 30 through handle slot 60. The center disc 12 isselectively movable with respect to the bottom disc 11 by operation ofthe integral handle 1. As shown in FIGS. 7-8, the center disc 12 definesa supply hole 22 that extends entirely through the disc 12 as well as achannel groove 20 disposed in the underside of the disc 12. The supplyhole 22 is configured to align with the supply hole 15 in the bottomdisc 11 when the diverter is in the treated mode, with the stream hole19 in the bottom disc 11 when the diverter is in the untreated streammode or with the spray hole 18 in the bottom disc 11 when the diverteris in the untreated spray mode. Additionally, the channel groove 20 isconfigured to align with and interconnect the return hole 16 and thetreated outlet hole 17 when the diverter is in the treated mode. Thecenter disc 12 may also define a central bore 104 in its bottom surfaceto accommodate the bottom disc clamping screw 116. The size, shape andprecise layout of the holes and the channel groove in the bottom andcenter discs can vary from application to application and still providethe desired double positive shutoff.

[0039] The stationary top ceramic disc 13 is disposed above the centerdisc 12. As shown in FIGS. 9-10, the top disc 13 is generally annular,defining a large central through hole 106. The top disc 13 is tapered incross-section, providing a relatively broad upper surface adapted toengage the O-ring 50 and a relatively narrow bottom surface. A narrow,integral annular band 110 extends around the undersurface of the topdisc 13. The annular band 110 seals the interface between the top disc13 and the center disc 12. Because of the band's narrow size, thesurface area of interface between the top disc 13 and center disc 12 isreduced, thereby reducing the friction between the two components andfacilitating rotation of the center disc 12. The top disc 13 includes apair of ears 112 a-b that interfit with a pair of corresponding keyways114 (only one of which is visible in the illustrations) in the body 30to prevent rotation of the top disc 13 with respect to the body 30.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 11-12, the center disc 12 and top disc 13 arefirmly retained in the cavity 48 by the head nut 52. The head nut 52 isan annular, externally threaded component having a large central bore118 that permits water to flow to the discs 11, 12 and 13. The O-ring50, or other seal, is disposed between the head nut 52 and the top disc13 to seal the interface between the head nut 52 and the top disc 13.The head nut 52 is configured to engage the ribs 58 when it is tightenedto the point where the top disc 13 and center disc 12 are under thedesired compression. This prevents overtightening of the head nut 52,which might otherwise make it overly difficult to rotate the center disc12.

[0041] As noted above, the diverter 10 is secured to the faucet (notshown) using a conventional compression nut assembly. The compressionnut 56 is adapted to fit around a conventional faucet adapter 34 and tothreadedly fit into the upper end of the body 30. The gasket 54 isdisposed between the compression nut 56 and the head nut 52 to seal theinterface between the head nut 52 and the compression nut 56 and/or thefaucet adapter 34.

[0042] The selector ring 120 is fitted over the body 30 in engagementwith the handle 1 of the center disc 12. The selector rings 120 primaryfunction is to provide an aesthetically desirable and easily operatedactuator for the diverter 10. The ring 120 defines a slot (not shown)that is frictionally interfitted with the portion of handle 1 thatprotrudes from the body 30 through handle slot 60. The selector ring 120also defines three detents (not shown). The detents interact with thedetent ball 130 to provide a tactile response as the selector ring 120moves the diverter 10 between its three modes of operation. Morespecifically, the detents are positioned on the selector ring 120 sothat a detent aligns with the detent ball 130 as the center disc 12 ispositioned in any of the three positions required to place the diverter10 in one of its modes of operation. Although the selector ring 120 ispreferably fully annular, it may assume a variety of alternative shapesand designs. For example, the selector ring 120 may be replaced by asemi-circular ring or other similar actuator. Although not strictlynecessary, the selector ring or alternative actuator preferably fullycovers the handle slot 60 throughout its entire range of motion. Thiswill hide the handle slot 60 from view and reduce the likelihood ofbuild-up of dirt, mold or mildew in the handle slot 60.

Operation

[0043] As described more fully below, the ceramic disc diverter valvecan be set in one of three positions. In the treated mode, water isdirected from the diverter 10 through the water treatment device (notshown) and out of the treated water outlet 14. In the untreated streammode, water is directed through the diverter 10 to the stream outlet 6.In the untreated spray mode, water is directed through the diverter 10to the spray outlet 5. More specifically, the diverter 10 is placed inthe desired mode of operation by rotation of the selector ring 120. Theselector ring 120 is connected to the handle 1 so that rotation of theselector ring 120 results in rotation of the center disc 12. In allmodes of operation, water enters the diverter 10 through the faucetadapter 34 and flows through the gasket 54, the central bore 118 of thehead nut 52, and the central hole 106 of the top disc 13 to the topsurface of the center disc 12. The water enters the center disc supplyhole 22 and, depending on the position of the center disc 12, directswater to one of the bottom disc supply hole 15, bottom disc stream hole19 or bottom disc spray hole 18.

[0044] The water flow paths of the diverter 10 in its various modes ofoperation will now be described with reference to FIGS. 13-15. As shownin FIG. 13, when the diverter 10 is in the treated mode the supply hole22 of the center disc 12 is aligned with the supply hole 15 of thebottom disc 11. As a result, water flows from the center disc supplyhole 22 to the bottom disc supply hole 15. From the bottom disc supplyhole 15 water flows through the supply passage 62 to the secondaryoutlet 8. From the secondary outlet 8 the water flows through a watertreatment device and once treated returns to the diverter 10 at thesecondary inlet 7. From the secondary inlet 7, the treated water flowsthrough the return passage 64 to the return hole 16 in the bottom disc11. The treated water then flows through the return hole 16 into thechannel groove 20 in the center disc 12. The treated water travels alongthe channel groove 20 and through the treated outlet hole 17 in thebottom disc 11. The treated water then flows through the treated outletpassage 66 to the treated water spout 74 and finally out the treatedwater outlet 14.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 14, when the diverter 10 is in the untreatedstream mode the center disc supply hole 22 is aligned with the bottomdisc stream hole 19. As a result, untreated water flows from the centerdisc supply hole 22 to the bottom disc stream hole 19. Water then flowsthrough the stream outlet passage 70 to the stream section 86 of thespray head 84 and finally out the aerator (not shown) and stream outlet6.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 15, when the diverter 10 is in the untreatedspray mode the center disc supply hole 22 is aligned with the bottomdisc spray hole 18. As a result, untreated water flows from the centerdisc supply hole 22 to the bottom disc spray hole 18. Water then flowsthrough the spray outlet passage 68, including the closure spray hole76, to the spray section 88 of the spray head 84 and finally out thespray outlet 5.

Alternative Embodiment

[0047]FIG. 16 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention.Like the above described embodiment, the alternative diverter 200 isoperable between a treated mode, a spray mode and a stream mode andprovides double positive shutoff when in the spray mode and the streammode. Unlike the above described embodiment, the alternative diverter200 accomplishes the above operations with two ceramic discs, instead ofthree. The diverter 200 also eliminates the bottom disc clampingmechanism of the above described embodiment, such as the screw 116.

[0048] The diverter 200 generally includes a housing 230, a rubbergasket 224, a stationary bottom ceramic disc 211, a movable top ceramicdisk 212, an O-ring 232, a faucet adapter 234, and a compression ring236. The rubber gasket 224 is set in the housing 230 and the stationarybottom ceramic disc 211 rests on top of the rubber gasket 224. Thestationary disc 211 preferably defines keyways (not shown) that interfitwith corresponding keys (not shown) in the housing 230 to preventrotation of the stationary disc 211 with respect to the housing 230. Themovable ceramic disc 212 is on top of the stationary bottom ceramic disk211. The O-ring 232 fits between the movable ceramic disc 212 and thefaucet adapter 234. The O-ring 232 is compressed between the movableceramic disc 212 and the faucet adapter 234 by the compression ring 236.

[0049] The diverter 200 is operated by a handle 201 on the movableceramic disc 212, although other embodiments may be easily used, such asproviding a casing that includes a handle (not illustrated) to move themovable ceramic disc 212. The movable ceramic disc 212 rotatesindependently of the housing 230, thereby eliminating the need forhousing seals and the possibility of the housing leaking as the housingseals become worn.

[0050] The stationary ceramic disc 211 defines five holes 215, 216, 217,218, and 219 and is stationary with respect to the housing 230. Themovable ceramic disc 212 defines two holes 221 and 222 and a channelgroove 220, with the channel groove 220 opening towards the stationarydisc 211. The movable ceramic disc 212 is selectively movable to alignthe various disc holes and the channel groove as required to deliver thedesired type of flow. The size, shape and precise layout of the holesand the channel groove in the stationary and movable discs can vary fromapplication to application as desired.

[0051] The diverter 200 is shown in FIG. 18 in treated water mode, withthe first hole 215 on the stationary ceramic disc 211 and first hole 221on the movable ceramic disc 212 lined up to allow water flow. Theuntreated water flows into the diverter 200 from the faucet, and throughholes 215 and 221, as shown by arrow D. The untreated water then flowsout of the diverter 200 through the secondary outlet 208, as illustratedby arrow O. The water flows from the secondary outlet 208 to a watertreatment device (not shown) via a conventional supply line (not shown)connected to the secondary outlet 208. After being treated, the waterflows back into the diverter 200 via a conventional supply line (notshown) connected to the secondary inlet 207. The treated water flowsinto the diverter 200 through the secondary inlet 207, as illustrated byarrow I. The water then flows through the housing 230, through thesecond hole 216 on the stationary ceramic disc 211, through the channel220 on the movable ceramic disc 212, through the third hole 217 on thestationary ceramic disc 211 and out the treated water outlet 214, asillustrated by arrow T.

[0052] The diverter 200 is shown in FIG. 19 in spray mode, with thefourth hole 218 on the stationary ceramic disc 211 and the first hole221 on the movable ceramic disc 212 lined up. The untreated water flowsinto the diverter 200, through the first hole 221 and through the fourthhole 218. The water then passes through the housing 230 and out thespray outlet 205.

[0053] The diverter 200 is shown in FIG. 20 in stream mode, with thefifth hole 219 on the stationary ceramic disc 211 and the second hole222 on the movable ceramic disc 212 lined up. The untreated water flowsinto the diverter 200, through the second hole 22 and through the fifthhole 218. The water then passes through the housing 230 and out thestream outlet 206.

[0054] The above description is that of a preferred embodiment of theinvention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departingfrom the sprit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in theappended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with theprinciples of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents. Anyreference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using thearticles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limitingthe element to the singular.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows: 1- A ceramic disc divertervalve comprising: a body including an inlet, a first outlet and a secondoutlet, said body further including a secondary inlet and a secondaryoutlet; means for securing said body to a water faucet with said inletin fluid communication with the water faucet; a ceramic disc stationarywithin said body; a ceramic disc movably disposed within said body inengagement with said stationary disc; and means for selectively movingsaid movable disc into one of a first position wherein said inlet is incommunication with said secondary outlet and said secondary inlet is incommunication with said first outlet and a second position wherein saidinlet is in communication with said second outlet, said movable discpositively sealing said secondary outlet and said secondary inlet whenin said second position. 2- The ceramic disc diverter valve of claim 1wherein said body further includes a third outlet, said means for movingfurther including means for moving said movable disc into a thirdposition wherein said inlet is in communication with said third outlet,said movable disc positively sealing said secondary outlet and saidsecondary inlet when in said third mode; and wherein one of said secondoutlet and said third outlet is a stream outlet and the other of saidfirst or second outlets is a spray outlet. 3- The ceramic disc divertervalve of claim 2 wherein said means for moving said movable ceramic discincludes a handle extending from said movable ceramic disc. 4- Theceramic disc diverter valve of claim 3 wherein said handle is integralwith said movable ceramic disc. 5- The ceramic disc diverter valve ofclaim 4 further including a gasket disposed between said stationary discand said body; and clamping means for clamping said stationary disc andsaid gasket to said body independent of said movable disc. 6- Theceramic disc diverter valve of claim 5 wherein said clamping meansincludes a screw extending through said stationary disc and said gasketinto said body. 7- The ceramic disc diverter valve of claim 6 whereinsaid handle protrudes from said body; and further comprising a selectorring mounted about said body, said selector ring operatively connectedto said handle. 8- The ceramic disc diverter valve of claim 7 furthercomprising a second stationary ceramic disc within said body, said firstand second stationary discs disposed on opposite sides of said movabledisc. 9- The ceramic disc diverter valve of claim 8 further comprising ahead nut securing said movable disc and said second stationary discwithin said body. 10- The ceramic disc diverter valve of claim 1 whereinsaid stationary disc defines a spray hole, a stream hole and a supplyhole; and wherein said movable disc defines a supply hole, said movabledisc supply hole being aligned with said stationary disc supply holewhen said diverter is in said first position, said movable disc supplyhole being aligned with said stream hole when said diverter is in saidsecond position, said movable disc supply hole being aligned with saidspray hole when said diverter is in said third position. 11- The ceramicdisc diverter valve of claim 10 wherein said stationary disc defines areturn hole and a treated outlet hole; and wherein said movable discdefines a groove, said groove interconnecting said return hole and saidoutlet hole when said movable disc is in said first position. 12- Aceramic disc diverter valve comprising: a diverter valve body having aninlet mountable to a water faucet; stream outlet means on said divertervalve body for discharging untreated water in a stream; spray outletmeans on said diverter valve body for discharging untreated water in aspray; treated water outlet means on said diverter valve body fordischarging treated water; secondary outlet means on said diverter valvebody for directing water to a water treatment device; secondary inletmeans on said diverter valve body for receiving treated water from thewater treatment device; a first stationary ceramic disc disposed withinsaid diverter valve body; a movable ceramic disc movably mounted withinsaid diverter valve body adjacent said first disc; and means for movingsaid movable ceramic disc into one of: a first position wherein saidinlet is in communication with said secondary outlet and said secondaryinlet is in communication with said treated outlet; a second positionwherein said inlet is in communication with said stream outlet means andsaid movable disc seals said secondary inlet and said secondary outlet;and a third position wherein said inlet is in communication with saidspray outlet means and said movable disc seals said secondary inlet andsaid secondary outlet. 13- The ceramic disc diverter valve of claim 12further comprising a gasket disposed between said first stationary discand said body; and clamping means for clamping said first stationarydisc and said gasket against said body independently of said secondstationary disc and said movable disc. 14- The ceramic disc divertervalve of claim 13 wherein said clamping means includes a screw extendingthrough said first stationary disc and said gasket into said body. 15-The ceramic disc diverter valve of claim 14 wherein said means formoving said movable ceramic disc includes a handle extending from saidmovable ceramic disc. 16- The ceramic disc diverter valve of claim 15wherein said handle is integral with said movable ceramic disc. 17- Theceramic disc diverter valve of claim 16 wherein said handle protrudesfrom said body; and further comprising a selector ring mounted aboutsaid body, said selector ring operatively connected to said handle. 18-The ceramic disc diverter valve of claim 17 further comprising a secondstationary disc mounted adjacent said movable disc, said movable discdisposed between said first stationary disc and said second stationarydisc; and head nut securing said movable disc and said second stationarydisc within said body. 19- The ceramic disc diverter valve of claim 18wherein said first stationary disc defines a spray hole, a stream holeand a supply hole; and wherein said movable disc defines a supply hole,said movable disc supply hole being aligned with said first stationarydisc supply hole when said diverter is in said first position, saidmovable disc supply hole being aligned with said stream hole when saiddiverter is in said second position, said movable disc supply hole beingaligned with said spray hole when said diverter is in said thirdposition. 20- The ceramic disc diverter valve of claim 19 wherein saidfirst stationary disc defines a return hole and a treated outlet hole;and wherein said movable disc includes a groove, said grooveinterconnecting said return hole and said outlet hole when said movabledisc is in said first position. 21- A ceramic disc diverter valvecomprising: a body having an inlet mountable to a water faucet; streamoutlet means for discharging untreated water in a stream; spray outletmeans for discharging untreated water in a spray; treated water outletmeans for discharging treated water; secondary outlet means fordirecting water to a water treatment device; secondary inlet means fordirecting treated water from the water treatment device; first andsecond stationary ceramic discs disposed within said diverter valvebody; and a movable ceramic disc movably mounted within said divertervalve body between said first disc and said second disc wherein saidmovable ceramic disc includes an integral handle for selectively movingsaid movable ceramic disc into one of: a first position wherein saidinlet is in communication with said secondary outlet and said secondaryinlet is in communication with said treated outlet; a second positionwherein said inlet is in communication with said stream outlet means andsaid movable disc seals said secondary inlet and said secondary outlet;and a third position wherein said inlet is in communication with saidspray outlet means and said movable disc seals said secondary inlet andsaid secondary outlet. 22- The ceramic disc diverter valve of claim 21further comprising a gasket disposed between said first stationary discand said body; and clamping means for clamping said first stationarydisc and said gasket to said body independent of said second stationarydisc and said movable disc. 23- The ceramic disc diverter valve of claim22 wherein said clamping means includes a screw extending through saidfirst stationary disc and said gasket into said body. 24- The ceramicdisc diverter valve of claim 23 wherein said handle protrudes from saidbody; and further comprising a selector ring mounted about said body,said selector ring operatively connected to said handle. 25- The ceramicdisc diverter valve of claim 24 further comprising a head nut securingsaid movable disc and said second stationary disc within said body. 26-The ceramic disc diverter valve of claim 25 wherein said firststationary ceramic disc defines a spray hole, a stream hole and a supplyhole; and wherein said movable disc defines a supply hole, said movabledisc supply hole being aligned with said stationary disc supply holewhen said diverter is in said first position, said movable disc supplyhole being aligned with said stream hole when said diverter is in saidsecond position, and said movable disc supply hole being aligned withsaid spray hole when said diverter is in said third position. 27- Theceramic disc diverter valve of claim 26 wherein said first stationaryceramic disc defines a return hole and a treated outlet hole; andwherein said movable disc includes a groove, said groove interconnectingsaid return hole and said outlet hole when said movable disc is in saidfirst position.